TRUMP: 'Donald Trump gave $1 million' to the event he's hosting instead of attending the debate

Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump began his
Thursday-night charity event by touting all of the people
—including himself — who wrote big checks for it.

Trump announced that he would suddenly host a fundraiser for
veterans as an alternative to going to the Fox News primary
debate.

Trump boycotted the event after repeatedly complaining about Fox
host Megyn Kelly, one of the moderators at the debate, as well
as the network overall.

"First, we have to talk about people that made a lot of money,"
Trump began. "They wouldn't have made a lot of money, they
wouldn't even be here, if it weren't for the vets and our great
military."

"Carl Icahn gave $500,000. One quick phone call," Trump said,
referring to his fellow billionaire whose support he frequently
touts on the campaign trail.

He continued:

Richard LeFrak, a great builder in New York, gave $100,000.
Donald Trump, another great builder in New York — now a
politician, I can't stand this, a politician, I don't want to be
called a politician, all talk, no action, I refuse to be called a
politician — Donald Trump gave $1 million.

Trump then ticked off a number of other people who wrote big
checks, which he said amounted to more than $5 million.